Reading Wednesday

What I've just read: Forgot to do this last week, so more books this week! That, and LCD-screen-induced nausea forcing me to ditch my usual time-wasting computer games. I just finished Martha Wells' The Fall of Ile-Rien trilogy, and generally had fun, though I wish there were more women in the narrative aside from Tremaine. Also got and read Karen Lord's new book, The Best of All Possible Worlds, and generally liked the anthropological stuff and the team stuff, but wanted more in terms of resolution with those. Wasn't particularly into the romance as such, but I've been having that reaction to everything, so I think it's less the book and more me not being in any sort of romance mood.

What I'm reading now: I don't know! Finished the last Ile-Rien book last night and didn't really know what to pick up next.

What I'm reading next: More not knowing! I am tempted to read Death of the Necromancer due to all the trilogy's bits and pieces about Nicholas Valiarde and his compatriots, but I don't have it on hand. Also thinking about a reread of God Stalk, since I bounced off it the first time 'round, or starting the Ben Aaronovitch books.

Wells, Martha - The Fall of Ile-Rien trilogy

(consists of The Wizard Hunters, The Ships of Air, and The Gate of Gods)

Ile-Rien has been under attack by the Gardier for a while, and they are losing. The Gardier possess magic that can disrupt anything mechanical, and Rienish wizards haven't been able to find anything that can counter the Gardier's magic, at least until they accidentally find a way to jump to different worlds using a sphere made by Tremaine Valiarde's eccentric uncle-figure Arisilde, who has been missing and presumed dead for a while. Ensuing attempts to battle the Gardier eventually encompass rogue wizards, a giant luxury liner, a lot of fighting, airships, and Tremaine's often dubious morals.

I especially enjoyed the trilogy's blend of plot, world building, and fun characters. Tremaine herself would probably admit that she is terrible as a model heroine, but very good at flying by the seat of her pants, being sarcastic, and having a complete lack of sympathy for the Gardier. And the Ilias and Giliead show always cracks me up.

( Cut for length )

( Spoilers, some mention of suicidality )

In conclusion: I have some nitpicks, but the trilogy is really enjoyable, with settings I think you don't get that much in fantasy (I now want to check out the luxury ocean liner the Ravenna is based on) and a fun cadre of characters.